The Impact of the Environment on Learning
Marco Garavito
COLL100
American Military University
Leslie Button
The Impact of the Environment on Learning
In every library across America, one can always find that person that is talking too loud or laughing, attracting the frowns and sighs of other patrons. Usually the librarian assumes the responsibility of reminding the rudely patron to be considerate of other people who seek a peaceful and quiet learning environment. On the other hand, it is not uncommon to walk into a coffee shop or even Mcdonalds and spot the college student feverishly typing away, indifferent to the chatter, noises and distractions around him. One might wonder how he or she can focus, and ignore the distractions or even learn outside an environment not tailored for learning. This brings up the question of whether the environment plays a role in learning, and subsequently how can one control the environment. Traditionally, most aspects of the learning environment have been controlled or manipulated by teaching professionals and parents from kindergarten to high school. After this period however the responsibility is partially transferred to oneself. For non-traditional universities the control of the environment rests almost solely on the student. There are several methods or theories developed by experts in the education field relating to controlling the environment to enhance learning. The learning environment not only compromises the physical surroundings but also includes the psychosocial and cultural influences existing in a learning situation (Hiemstra 1991). While there are exceptions to every rule, the evidence supporting the positive effects of controlling the learning environment is overwhelming.
The traditional classroom has become synonymous with the term “the learning environment”. By tradition most of our formal learning does in fact take place in a classroom. Most of these classrooms have been...